Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Montgomery is 81% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,059/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 189%
$55,687/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 227%
$148,500 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 1123%
$1,023/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 195%
198,440
Population
153,455

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,006/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $24,072/year.

Median household income is $126,175/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Montgomery or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,006/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $126,175/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Sunnyvale details →

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